An early promotion race in the Motsepe Foundation Championship has intensified, with four clubs emerging as the leading contenders after five rounds of action.
Magesi FC remains at the summit despite dropping their first points of the campaign when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Hungry Lions at Seshego Stadium on Sunday.
The result ended Magesi’s perfect start after four consecutive victories, but Dikwena Tsa Meetse remains unbeaten and stops the standings with 13 points from five matches — four wins and one draw.
Close behind are Real Native FC (formely known as CasricsStars), who moved to 12 points after a convincing 2-0 victory over Venda FC.
The Mpumalanga-based outfit has collected four wins from five matches, with only a single defeat interrupting its impressive start.
Leicesterford City also strengthened their challenge after edging Midlands Wanderers 1-0.
The victory took Leicesterford to 10 points, putting them third on the log.
Highbury FC, meanwhile, slipped from second to fourth after being held to a goalless draw by Gomora United.
Highbury also have 10 points, but Leicesterford occupy third place on the current standings. The two sides have both won three, drawn one and lost one of their opening five matches.
The early standings suggest that the promotion battle could become a tightly contested affair, with only three points separating the top four after five rounds.
The Motsepe Foundation Championship will now take a break for the international window before Matchday 6 resumes on 10 October 2026.
Next fixtures for the leading four
Magesi FC will see
Magesi will return to action on Saturday, 10 October, when they host North West University (NWU) at Seshego Stadium at 13:30.
Real Native FC (formerly Casric Stars)
Real Native will travel to face Hungry Lions at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on 10 October, with kick-off scheduled for 13:30.
Leicesterford City
Leicesterford face University of Pretoria away at Tuks Stadium on 10 October at 13:30.
Highbury FC
Highbury will also be on the road, taking on Orbit College at Olympia Park on 10 October at 13:30.
With the leading four separated by just three points, the next round could have a significant impact on the early shape of the promotion race.
